Examples of acceptable loan purposes are extension and renovation of family home, second property (family residence, holiday home, investment property), educational expenses, once in a lifetime holiday and private medical expenses. The following will be assessed on own merit: investment in own business, refinancing other lender's mortgages, boat, caravan or other asset with life span of at least 10 years or commensurate with the mortgage term remaining, a one off tax bill. Unacceptable loan purposes include an annual holiday, a car and investing in the stock market.

In general applications will be accepted for top-ups where the LTV is less than 90%. Where the loan is for a second property, the total LTV against both properties should be less than 80% and the bank may require security against both. Where the loan is for a foreign property against which the bank cannot take security, the LTV should be less than 80% of the property valuation.

Invoices/Architect's certificates are not required where the work is for less than £35,000 and the overall LTV is less than 60%. Minimum mortgage amount is £5,000, no maximum amount but subject to lending criteria being met.

The minimum term of the mortgage is 10 years and the maximum term is 35 years. No maximum age. Where a mortgage extends beyond normal retirement age, you should be able to demonstrate continued ability to service the loan by way of pension or alternative means.